On Thursday, the United States Public Interest Research Group Education Fund filed a lawsuit against Haier U.S. Appliance Solutions in the District of Columbia Superior Court. The group claims that the manufacturer is violating a D.C. consumer protection law that forbids 'deceptive and unconscionable business practices'. Haier acquired General Electric's GE Appliances business in 2016.
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The EPA states that gas stove burners release pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, which is a smog component that can irritate airways and potentially lead to asthma. Stanford University researchers recently discovered that using gas and propane stoves may be linked to approximately 19,000 adult deaths annually in the U.S. and about 200,000 current cases of childhood asthma. Stanford researchers also found that gas stoves can emit benzene, a carcinogen.
The advocacy group tested two models of GE Appliances gas stoves this year and found that they emitted nitrogen dioxide levels exceeding the EPA's outdoor air standards. The EPA has not set standards for indoor nitrogen dioxide levels.
The advocacy group is asking Haier to warn D.C. consumers about the harmful air pollutants from GE Appliances gas stoves and to provide information on how to protect themselves.
Medical experts advise people to open windows and use exhaust fans when cooking with gas stoves indoors.
Source: www.npr.org